Newcastle Jets furious with FFA over decision to shift game against Wellington Phoenix

A FURIOUS row has broken out between Football Federation Australia and the Newcastle Jets over a sudden decision to shift the Jets' trip to Wellington in March, forcing Gary van Egmond's side to play three games in ten days including a 20-hour round trip to New Zealand.

Van Egmond described FFA's decision as "insulting", after the governing body acceded to a request from Phoenix to move the game as it clashes with a World Cup qualifier at the same time for New Zealand.

FFA's switch comes despite them refusing to do the same in Round 2, when Phoenix had to send a severely weakened side to play Melbourne Heart, and also last week declining to allow Brisbane Roar to move an A-League game with Sydney FC to facilitate an Asian Champions League qualifier.

With the A-League not breaking for FIFA windows, Phoenix first alerted FFA to the clashes with New Zealand games in July, but the Jets say they only found out a fortnight ago that their game had been unilaterally switched to Wednesday February 27 - between their games with Brisbane on February 22 and Melbourne Victory on March 3.

FFA's policy has always been to refuse to change policy mid-season, and in July they stated there would be no fixture re-arrangements to allow for FIFA dates.

The Jets offered a compromise by playing the game at Hunter Stadium on February 27, but were told today by FFA that they would have to travel to Wellington.

It's believed the Jets may send a weakened squad, fearing injuries to their weakened players from the schedule.

"In a close competition like we have at the moment, this decision could have a real bearing on our season," van Egmond said.

"Clearly we will need our full squad and to draw on the special camaraderie and mental strength to get through this situation we now find ourselves in.

"To decline our compromise to play the game in Newcastle, claiming it would disadvantage Wellington, is insulting for the credibility of the A-League competition, our players and fans."

An FFA official said their hands were tied, as Wellington had no youth team and would be prevented from signing players outside of a transfer window, meaning they would not be able to put out a starting XI if the game was played on its original date.